Method and apparatus for electronic device storage in a tablecloth

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for storing electronic devices in a tablecloth. The apparatus of one embodiment first comprises a tablecloth having a top portion to cover a table and a periphery skirt portion. Coupled to the periphery skirt portion is a pocket. The pocket having an opening to store a personal electronic device within reach of a person seated in proximity to the table.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of table coverings. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for electronic device storage in a tablecloth assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is often desirable to cover a table with a cloth or the like to protect a top or any other portion of the table from stains or other damage which may be incurred during a meal or other function. These table coverings are commonly known as tablecloths. Tablecloths or table covers have long been in use for both indoor and outdoor dining. Such use is traditionally for both decoration and to protect the table. In addition, when used outdoors the table cover may serve to cover a table surface which is dirty or in some manner damages.

[0003] A number of people presently carry along person electronic devices or similar gadgets with them when they go out. For instance, a patron at a cafe may have a cellular phone or electronic planner. It is further desirable to place personal items such as personal electronic devices on the table. However, the proper placement of such items on a small table of limited surface area can be difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An apparatus for storing electronic devices in a tablecloth is described. The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention comprises a tablecloth having a top portion to cover a table and a periphery skirt portion. Coupled to the periphery skirt portion is a pocket. The pocket having an opening to store a personal electronic device within reach of a person seated in proximity to the table.

[0005] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follow below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitations in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

[0007]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a circular embodiment of a functional tablecloth assembly of the present invention;

[0008]FIG. 1B is a top plan view of the tablecloth assembly of FIG. 1A;

[0009]FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a rectangular embodiment of the tablecloth assembly;

[0010]FIG. 2B is a top plan view of the assembly of FIG. 2A;

[0011]FIG. 3A is an enlarged perspective view of a storage pocket;

[0012]FIG. 3B is a side view of the pocket of FIG. 3A; and

[0013]FIG. 3C is a front view of the pocket of FIG. 3A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] A method and apparatus for electronic device storage in a tablecloth is disclosed. The described tablecloth is used to store cellular phones and handheld devices, but is not so limited. The embodiments described herein are described in the context of a cellular phone, but are not so limited. Although the following embodiments are described with reference to cellular phones, other embodiments are applicable to other personal handheld devices that are carried around and placed on tables.

[0015] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. One of ordinary skill in the art, however, will appreciate that these specific details are not necessary in order to practice the present invention. In other instances, well-known electrical structures and circuits have not been set forth in particular detail in order to not necessarily obscure the present invention.

[0016] The present invention provides a tablecloth for the table surface as well as pockets attached to the tablecloth for the storage of items. Storage pockets located along the periphery of a tablecloth offer occupants at the table a convenient and safe place to store electronic devices away from the crowded tabletop, but yet allow of quick access to the stored item.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a circular embodiment of a tablecloth assembly 100 is shown. The tablecloth assembly 100 is located over a small circular table such as those commonly found at cafes and restaurants. The assembly 100 comprises of a tablecloth 110 for covering a table and at least one and preferably a plurality of storage pockets 112 attached to the tablecloth 110 for storing personal electronic devices, such as a cellular phone 130. The tablecloth 110 is generally circular in shape and sized to fit a variety of sizes of tables. The tablecloth 110 is typically draped over the top of a table. However, fasteners such as a plastic securement clip or straps can be used to fasten the tablecloth 110 to the table especially in outdoor applications.

[0018] Storage pockets 112 are attached to the skirt of the tablecloth 110. Electronic devices that people typically carry around when out and about include cellular phones 130 and personal digital assistants/organizers 140. When a person is seated at a small table such as outside a cafe, the space available on the tabletop is fairly limited. A convenient location to place an item such as a cellular phone 130 that is not presently being used, but not take up table space can be desirable. A storage pocket 112 provides a convenient storage space that does not consume valuable table space, but is yet easily and quickly accessible such as when the stored cellular phone 130 rings. For another embodiment, the pockets 112 can be easily detachable and reattachable, for instance with a zipper or Velcro. Detachability can be desirable to facilitate cleaning. Similarly, adjustable pockets can be desirable in other embodiments, as the size and shape of the stored device can vary widely.

[0019]FIG. 1B is a top plan view of the tablecloth assembly 100 of FIG. 1A. The tablecloth 110 includes a central circular tabletop portion 111 and a peripheral skirt portion 113. The central tabletop portion 111 covers a top of the table whereas the peripheral skirt portion 113 extends downwardly from a periphery of the tabletop portion 111 and of the table and covers a portion of a space below the top of the table. The assembly 100 of this embodiment has four storage pockets 112. The storage pockets 112 can be properly sized and placed at a variety of locations to store the electronic devices 130, 140, of the table's occupants. Even though each storage pocket 112 of this embodiment are shown to be located at right angles relative to the other pockets 112, pockets 112 can be attached at various locations along the skirt of the tablecloth 110 that is within reach of a seated individual. Similarly, other embodiments can have more or less storage pockets 112. Tablecloth assembly 100 can be constructed from a plurality of materials such as cotton, poly-cotton blend, or linen, but is not so limited. Alternate embodiments can also include an aperture to allow use with tables that have umbrellas.

[0020] The patch of material for the storage pocket 112 has opposite sides and opposite first and second ends. The opposite sides and first end are attached to the tablecloth 110. The second end is spaced from the tablecloth 110 and thereby provides an opening between the patch of material and the tablecloth 110 at the second end and forms a pocket 112 with and upon the tablecloth 110 such that an item can pass into and be disposed within the pocket 112 upon the tablecloth 110. The pocket 112 of FIG. 1B is further shown with a fastener 118 to keep the opening closed, but is not so required.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an alternate shape of the tablecloth 210 is shown for use with rectangular tables. For this example, the tablecloth assembly 200 is located over a small square table such as those commonly found at cafes and restaurants. As in the circular embodiment, the storage pockets 212 are placed at convenient locations on the perimeter of the tablecloth 210.

[0022]FIG. 2B is a top plan view of the tablecloth assembly 200 of FIG. 2A. The tablecloth 210 includes a central square tabletop portion 211 and a peripheral skirt portion 213. The central table top portion 211 covers a top of the table whereas the peripheral skirt portion 213 extends downwardly from a periphery of the tabletop portion 211 and of the table and covers a portion of a space below the top of the table. The assembly 200 of this embodiment has four storage pockets 212. The storage pockets 212 can be properly sized and placed at a variety of locations to store the electronic devices 230, 240, of the table's occupants. Even though each storage pocket 212 of this embodiment are shown to be located at each of the four sides of the table, pockets 212 can be attached at various locations along the skirt of the tablecloth 210 that is within reach of a seated individual.

[0023] FIGS. 3A-C are used to describe a storage pocket 312. FIG. 3A is an enlarged perspective view of a storage pocket. FIG. 3B is a side view of the pocket of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is a front view of the pocket of FIG. 3A. The storage pocket 312 is constructed of a patch of material 314 has opposite sides 315, 316, and opposite first 317 and second 319 ends. The opposite sides 315, 316, and first end 317 are attached to the tablecloth 310. The second end 319 is spaced from the tablecloth 310 and thereby provides an opening between the patch of material 314 and the tablecloth 310 at the second end 319. The attached patch of material 314 forms a pocket 312 with and upon the tablecloth 310 such that an item such as a cellular phone can pass into and be disposed within the pocket 312 upon the tablecloth 310. The pocket 312 of FIG. 3A-C is further shown with a fastener 318 to keep the second opening 319 closed. The fastener 318 can be a quick release button or complementary loop and hook fastening elements commercially known by the trademark Velcro.

[0024] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereof without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. 

I claim:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a tablecloth having a top portion to cover a table and a periphery skirt portion; and a pocket coupled to said periphery skirt portion, said pocket having an opening to store a personal electronic device within reach of a person seated in proximity to said table.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said personal electronic device is a cellular phone.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said personal electronic device is a personal digital assistant.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said personal electronic device is a electronic planner.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pocket further comprises a fastener to close said opening.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said faster is Velcro.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tablecloth is fastened to said table with a clip.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tablecloth and pocket are fabricated with a linen material.
 9. A tablecloth assembly comprising: a top portion to cover a table; a periphery skirt portion coupled to said top portion, said skirt portion extending downwardly from a periphery of said top portion to cover a portion of space below said table; and a patch of material coupled to said skirt portion, said patch having opposite sides, opposite first and second ends, and an outer surface facing away from said skirt portion, said opposite sides and said first end attached to said skirt portion and said second end spaced from said skirt portion to provide an opening between said patch and said skirt portion at said second end to form a pocket with said skirt portion, allowing an item to pass into and to be disposed within said pocket.
 10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said item is a cellular phone.
 11. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said item is a personal digital assistant.
 12. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said pocket further comprises a fastener to temporarily close said opening.
 13. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said assembly is fastened to said table with a securement clip.
 14. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said patch is located in position easily accessible to a person seated adjacent to said table.
 15. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said top portion, said skirt portion, and said patch are constructed with linen. 